MEDIA AND INFORMATION

LITERACY
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 5-6

MODULE 5: VISUAL INFORMATION AND MEDIA

MODULE 6: AUDIO INFORMATION AND MEDIA

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 MEDIA AND INFORMATION
LITERACY
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 5:
VISUAL INFORMATION AND MEDIA

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MIL VISUAL INFORMATION AND MEDIA

What’s In

In the previous lesson, we learned about Texts Information Media, in this

lesson, we will learn Visual Information and take advantage to its potential for
relaying or understanding messages by identifying the types of visual information
and observe the design elements and principles.

Visual information entails the use of visual media (that may or may not be
accompanied with audio/sound) in the form of photographs, motion pictures, video
recording, graphic arts, visual aids, and other displays that use pictorial
representations (Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, 2005).

In multimedia presentation, developers or authors spend much time and effort

to make a visual material more appealing to the audience because pictures are not
just supplementing to the text – they also complement and complete the meanings
suggested by the written text. You may roughly categories visuals as either images
(pictures that depict some real-world situation typically captured by a camera), or
graphics (pictures drawn or painted that depict any fictitious scenario) (Parekh,
2006).

According to Boots Liquigan (2016), visual information is not merely an

added feature to the written text to make it more sensible and more appealing to
readers like you, it has its own distinct features that enhance your information
acquisition.

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 Visual information may take the form of photographs, visual aids, and other
displays that use pictures to convey idea. Visuals may either be images or graphics.
In the aspect of learning, visual information may be useful because of the features
and functions of pictorial messages with respect to printed tex. In visual
information storage, compression is a consideration because the information might
not be dramatically affected in terms of size, resolution, and ease of retrieval and
sharing.

What is It

VISUAL INFORMATION AND MEDIA

VISUAL MEDIA VISUAL INFORMATION

EXAMPLE OF VISUAL MEDIA

▪ Photography
▪ Video
▪ Screenshots
▪ Infographics
▪ Data Visualization (Charts and Graphs)
▪ Comic Strips / Cartoons
▪ Memes
▪ Visual Note-Taking

Visual media are images or frames of images that we can construct and
reconstruct to give different meaning to it. We can observe it with photographs,
videos, infographics comics, memes and other objects that projects an image.
What is an image?
An image is a type of visual information that you normally see as either “pure
black and white or grayscale having a number of gray shades or color containing a
number of color shades.” In images, color is everything. Color, in technical terms,
refers to the sensation generated to the eyes of the beholder due to differences in
frequencies. You may remember from your physics class that when light passes
through a spectrum, lower frequencies produce the reddish hue, while the higher
frequencies produce the bluish ones. In visual arts, you may consider black as the
presence of all colors if color is to be considered as a pigment.
If color is explained in terms of principles of light, then white is the
combination of all the colors.

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Color as Primary Attribute of Images
Color is what gives form to an image. You are able to appreciate an image
because of how the colors blend to create the image.
You discern the color of an object because when light hits an object, the object
may absorb some color components of the light while it reflects those with
frequencies specific to our eye. Color models, which are used to recognize and
communicate color information, define a set of colors. The two most common ones
are the RGB color model and the CMYK color model. The RGB is used for colored
lights like images on a monitor screen and has the colors red, green, and blue as its
primary colors. The CMYK is used for colored inks like images printed on paper
and has the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as the primary colors. The two
models are considered to be device dependent because they depend on the physical
properties of the devices which generate the colors from these models.

Source: https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1*03CDeGvAoWdmd5AQnnnkmA.png
Another alternative color model is HSB Model which stands for Hue,
Saturation and Brightness. This color model is device dependent.
▪ Hue - specific tone of color),
▪ Saturation - the intensity of a hue from gray tone to pure, vivid color, and
▪ Brightness - the relative lightness or darkness of a particular color.

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 Remember that is it not always possible to convert a color accurately form
one model to another because each model has its own range of colors.

Stage of Image Generation

An image undergoes a process when it is generated. The conversion of a paper
image into an electronic one is part of the input stage which involves the use of an
image scanner. The scanner has sensors that capture and convert each portion of an
image being scanned. These portions are turned into pixels, and are stored digitally
in a computer. Another way an image may be produced is a digital camera, a gadget
you a most familiar with since mobile phones these days have built-in digital
cameras. Much like a scanner, a digital camera also has electronic sensors called
ChargeCouple Devices (CCD).
Editing is a stage where the digital
image is manipulated with the use
of editing software. Editing
involves “operations like
selecting, copying, scaling,
rotating, trimming, changing the
brightness, contrast, color tones,
etc. of an image to transform it as
per the requirements of the
application.”

Source: http://www.getloupe.com/v/9dg1bo8kWhen the image has already been

edited, it may be stored in a file
format that can be displayed on the computer screen or in printed form. Storing or
saving the image will require compressing the file into a size that will not take
much of computer storage memory. There is a variety of file formats that may be
used in storing images. Few other concerns on image storage include resolution
and overall quality of the image.

What is Graphics
Pictures that are either drawn by the hand or through computer software are
called graphics. When you sketch or draw an image such as a chart or a drawing
that may resemble an image, you create a pictorial representation of an idea or
object. When you do so, you create a graphic.

If you become a graphic artist, you will be acquainted with two types of a
digitally produced graphic. These are raster graphics and vector graphics.

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The Raster Graphics is much like an image especially when a drawing is digitized
using a scanner and the Vector Graphic, on the other hand, is produced through
computer software; thus, it is already in digital form. Vector graphics are typically
stored in smaller file sizes, and can be scaled without compromising the quality of
the drawing.

Software is used to edit the appearance of the graphic, enabling into an

animation especially in multimedia presentation (Parekh, 2006)

Graphics as Used in Learning or Instruction

Visual information is especially useful in learning. According to Clark and
Lyons (2011), graphic has Three Functions in this aspect of your use for such visual
information.

1. Surface Features – These refer to the salient features of visuals; and often,
they suggest that “a series of still visuals can be more effective for some
learning goals such as teaching how things work (Mayer, Sims, and Tajika
(2005), as cited in Clark and Lyons, 2011)

Surface Features of Graphics (Clark and Lyons, 2021)

Types Salient Definition Examples
Features
Static Illustration Depicting of visual Pen and ink outline art; two-
Art elements, using various dimensional watercolor of
media flower parts, diagrams and
charts.
Photographic Captured image, using Screen capture of a software
photographic or digital screen, Photo of a person
technologies answering phones.
Modeled Computer-generated Three- dimensional
(CG) – faithful representation of an office,
reproduction of reality, three-dimensional
using various media, representation of combustion
including computer engine.
assisted drawing
packages.
Dynamic Animation Series of images that Demonstration of steps in a
Art simulate motion software procedure. Process

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 of ammunition detonation
shown through line art.
Video Series of images, Capture of the hydrogen
captured as they occur, bomb test explosion at
digitally, on film, or White Sands, New Mexico;
magnetic tape, Film of a human resources
displayed serially, over director interviewing a job
time applicant.
Virtual An interactive three- Simulated walkthrough of
Reality dimensional world that the human heart.
dynamically changes as
the “user” moves
through and views it.

2. Communication Function - Graphics have the communication purpose to

show motion or represent illustrate quantitative relationships. The table
below, you will see how a graphic may communicate certain ideas.

Communication Functions of Graphics (Clark and Lyons, 2011)

Functions A graphic Used to Example
Decorative Add aesthetic appeal Art of the cover of a book; Virtual of
or humor a general in a military lesson on
ammunition.
Representational Depict an object in a A screen capture of a software
realistic fashion screen;
A photograph of equipment.
Mnemonic Provide retrieval cues A picture of a stamped letter in
for factual shopping cart to recall the meaning
information of Spanish word, carta
(letter)
Organizational Show qualitative A two-dimensional course map;
relationships among A concept tree
content
Relational Show quantitative A line graph;
relationships among A pie chart
two or more
variables.

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 Transformational Show changes in An animation of the weather cycle; A
objects over time or video showing how to operate
space equipment
Interpretive Illustrate a theory, A schematic diagram of
principle, or cause- equipment;
and effect An animation of molecular
relationships movement.

3. Cognitive Psychological Functions – Graphics also serve such functionality

by illustrating the interaction of visuals with” human learning processes such
as attention or retrieval from memory”.

Uses of Graphics
Learners like you are more responsive to ideas because of both the denotative
capacity and connotative power of visual images and representation (Liquigan,
2016). Web sites or multimedia output normally makes use of graphics to build
user interface. A graphic can become the clickable item such as a browser menu,
button, tab, or window.
In automated offices, graphics are used (especially for desktop publishing) to
represent data in charts, tables, graphs, and other data presentation tools. Also,
fields that require designs or drawings heavily use graphics for 2D or 3D modeling
of such designs. Simulators and animators also use graphics for their animation,
simulation, and other related applications. Even artworks and decorations utilize
graphics. In media such as film and television, graphics are typically used to design
program title or banners, advertisements, and visual effects.
The File Format, Lossy Compression, and Lossless Compression
File Format – The key consideration in the selection of a particular format for
storing visual media is compression. This is because you may not want to reduce
or compromise the quality of your data especially when you want to store them in
smaller file sizes so that they may be retrieved or downloaded easily.
As has been mentioned earlier, color is everything. So Reducing the file size will
also affect the color quality of visual information.
Lossy Compression – When you are amenable to reducing the quality of the image
or graphic due to reduction of the file size, you are opting for a lossy kind of
compression. The image or graphics may have a lower resolution but would still
keep the appearance of the visual since you may not be too sensitive with the color
change.

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Lossless Compression – A more accurate way of storing the visual information is
through lossless compression because it does not allow the image to dramatically
lose its appearance. This still is an efficient manner of compressing since it.
“look(s) for a recurring pattern in the file, and replace (s) each occurrence with a
short abbreviation, thereby cutting the file size. (www.users.wfu.edu).”

Common Visual Media File Type

Type Description
TIFF - a very flexible format that can be lossless or lossy.
(Tagged - details of the image storage algorithm are included as part of
Image File the file.
Format) - used almost exclusively as a lossless image storage format that
uses no compression at all.
- Sometimes a lossless compression algorithm called LZW is
used, but it is not universally supported.
PNG Is also a lossless storage format. However, in contrast with common
(Portable TIFF usage, it looks for patterns in the image that it can use to
Network compress file size. The compression is exactly reversible, so the
Graphics) image is recovered exactly.
GIF Creates a table of up to 256 colors from a pool of 16 million. If the
(Graphic image has fewer than 256 colors, GIF can render the image
Interchange exactly. When the image contains many colors, software that creates
Format)
the GIF uses any of several algorithms to approximate the colors in
the image with the limited palette of 256 colors available. Better
algorithms search the image to find an optimum set of 256 colors.
Sometimes GIF uses the nearest color to represent each pixel, and
sometimes it uses "error diffusion" to adjust the color of nearby
pixels to correct for the error in each pixel.
GIF achieves compression in two ways. First, it reduces the number
of colors of color-rich images, thereby reducing the number of bits
needed per pixel, as just described. Second, it replaces commonly
occurring patterns (especially large areas of uniform color) with a
short abbreviation: instead of storing "white, white, white, white,
white," it stores "5 white."

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 JPG PG is optimized for photographs and similar continuous tone
(Joint images that contain many, many colors. It can achieve astounding
Photographic compression ratios even while maintaining very high image
Experts quality. GIF compression is unkind to such images. JPG works by
Group) analyzing images and discarding kinds of information that the eye
is least likely to notice. It stores information as 24 bit color.
Important: the degree of compression of JPG is adjustable. At
moderate compression levels of photographic images, it is very
difficult for the eye to discern any difference from the original, even
at extreme magnification. Compression factors of more than 20 are
often quite acceptable. Better graphics programs, such as Paintshop
Pro and Photoshop, allow you to view the image quality and file size
as a function of compression level, so that you can conveniently
choose the balance between quality and file size.
RAW RAW is an image output option available on better digital cameras.
Though lossless, it is a factor of three of four smaller than TIFF files
of the same image. The disadvantage is that there is a different RAW
format for each manufacturer, and so you may have to use the
manufacturer's software to view the images. (Some graphics
applications can read some manufacturer's RAW formats.)
BMP BMP is an uncompressed proprietary format invented by Microsoft.
(Bitmap) There is really no reason to ever use this format.
PSD are proprietary formats used by graphics programs. Photoshop's
(Photoshop files have the PSD extension, while Paint Shop Pro files use PSP
Document) or PSP image. These are the preferred working formats as you
or PSP edit images in the software, because only the proprietary formats
(Paint Shop retain all the editing power of the programs. These packages use
Pro) layers, for example, to build complex images, and layer
information may be lost in the nonproprietary formats such as
TIFF and JPG. However, be sure to save your end result as a
standard TIFF or JPG, or you may not be able to view it in a few
years when your software has changed.

Source: https://matthews.sites.wfu.edu/misc/graphics/formats/formats.html.

Currently, GIF, PNG, and JPG are the formats used for nearly all web images.
TIFF is not widely supported by web browsers, and should be avoided for web use.
PNG does everything GIF does, and better, so is increasingly replacing GIF. PNG
will not replace JPG, since JPG is capable of much greater compression of
photographic images, even when set for quite minimal loss of quality.

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Advantages and Disadvantage of Visual Media
Visual information is useful for a variety of reasons. A visual aid is helpful to
present information to illiterate audiences. It can also stimulate oral communication
since people may still need to explain the data that is contained in a visual
presentation such as graphs, charts, and tablets.
Presenting information visually is an easy way to relay information because
it makes use of universal cues or signs that people are familiar with. Complex
information is presented graphically which makes it easier for people to interpret
the message. As has been said over and over, pictures are worth a thousand words,
and thus they have an impact on the people’s understanding of ideas, regardless of
who and where they are. Visual information also saves times in relaying the
message. The use of visual information also enhances resourcefulness and
creativity.
In the journalist practice, visual information is very useful in the quick
presentation of facts, in the emphasis of points in the printed text, and in conveying
the information to the readers.
But using visual information may also be very limiting because of the cost of
the preparation, the complexity of certain images and graphics, and the lack of
familiarity of the audience to some cues and signs conveyed by the visual
information. The latter concerned may be due to the ambiguity of the visual
information or he multiple meanings that a single visual can suggest to different
audiences.

Source: https://twitter.com/agilecrm/status/1024660887376982016/photo

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 What’s More

Activity 2: Basic Design Principles

Using the internet access, “The Principles of Design and Their Importance” on the
link provided below:
https://www.toptal.com/designers/ui/principles-of-design
In your notebook or worksheet complete the following table:

Basic Design Principles

No Element Description
1. Contrast
2. Balance
3. Emphasis
4 Proportion
5. Hierarchy
6. Repetition
7. Rhythm
8. Pattern
9. White Space
10. Movement
11. Variety
12. Unity

What I Can Do

Activity 2: Evaluate Me
Instructions: Select at least one example of each of the following visual
information found online and critique how the information has been presented base
on design principles and elements of visual information and media discussed in this
module.
▪ A Web site of a local or national politician
▪ A social media Web site that is heavily using visual information
▪ An online news portal or e-zine (electronic magazine)

Your critique must not be less than 300-words and should be encoded as .doc
or .pdf file and uploaded in a file-sharing platform that your teacher has set up for
your class.

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References
Books
Liquigan, Boots C. Media and Information Literacy. Philippine: DIWA Learning System
Inc., 2016
Zarate, Jovita E. Media and Information Literacy. 1st ed. Philippine: Rex Book Store, Inc.
2016

Web Sites
Chapman, Cameron, “The Principles of Design and Their Importance”, Brand Design,
accessed August 26, 2020,
https://www.toptal.com/designers/ui/principles-of-design
CRM, Agile, “ The Power of Visual Content”, 2018, accessed August 25,
https://twitter.com/agilecrm/status/1024660887376982016/photo/1
Matthews, Rick, accessed August 26, 2020,
https://matthews.sites.wfu.edu/misc/graphics/formats/formats.ht ml.
Watson, Eric “ 3 Types of Visual Information We Use Every Day, And Why They Work”,
2014, accessed August 22, 2020, https://medium.com/i-lovecharts/3-types-of-visual-
information-we-use-everyday-and-why-theywork-2ac85ecc87f0
Watt, Sabrina, “ Visual Information Infographic”, Dribble, 2014, accessed August
22, 2020, https://dribbble.com/shots/2027409-Visual-Information-
Infographic/attachments/2027409-Visual-InformationInfographic?mode=media

References

Books
Liquigan, Boots C. Media and Information Literacy. Philippine: DIWA Learning System
Inc., 2016
Zarate, Jovita E. Media and Information Literacy. 1st ed. Philippine: Rex Book Store, Inc.
2016

Web Sites
Schmidt, Casey, “7 Popular Audio File Types to Consider”, Canto, 2020, accessed
August 24, 2020, https://www.canto.com/blog/audio-file-types/
“How the Fourth Dimension of Sound is Used in the Live Concert”, accessed August 26,
2020,https://www.fastcompany.com/3023116/how-the-fourthdimension-of-sound-is-being-
used-for-live-concerts
“Timeline of Audio Formats”, accessed August 26, 2020,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_audio_formats
“Types of Audio Media”, accessed August 25, 2020,
http://93xkrockfm.weebly.com/types-of-audio-media.htm

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 MEDIA AND INFORMATION
LITERACY
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 6:
AUDIO INFORMATION AND MEDIA

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 MIL VISUAL INFORMATION AND MEDIA

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the context of Media and Information Literacy. It contains varied
activities that can help you as a Senior High School student to not just be an
information literate individual, but a creative and critical thinker as well as
responsible user and competent producer of media and information.
The module contains lesson in Audio Information and Media

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the different dimensions of audio information and media. (MELC)
2. Evaluate the reliability and validity of audio information and media and its/
their sources using selection criteria.

What I Know
Let us determine how much you already know about the Current and
Future Tends of Media and Information by answering the questions below. Use
your notebook/worksheet for your answers.

A. Multiple Choice: Select the letter of the best answer from the given choices.

1. It refers to how sound particles are displaced or scattered that produce a

certain level or intensity of loudness.
A. Frequency C. Amplitude
B. Wave Form D. Speed of Propagation

2. The actual shape of the sound waves and this is commonly associated to the
timbre or quality of sound
A. Frequency C. Amplitude
B. Wave Form D. Speed of Propagation

3. It is a sound within the range of human hearing. This relating to or employed

in the transmission, reception or reproduction of sound.
A. Sound waves C. Audio
B. Transmission D. Attribute

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4. It is live or recorded audio sent through radio waves to reach a wide audience.
A. Radio broadcast C. Sound recording
B. Sound effects D. Music

5. plastic-fabricated, circular medium for recording, storing, and playing back

audio, video, and computer data.
A. Tape C. USB drive
B. CD D. Memory Card

B. True or False: Write True is the statement is correct otherwise write False.
_____1. A memory Card is a small storage medium used to store data such as text,
pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable, or remote computing devices.
_____2. A computer hard drive is a primary storage device found in personal
computers and can store audio files.
_____3. MP3 is a common format for consumer audio, as well as a standard of
digital audio compression for the transfer and playback of music on most digital
audio players.
_____4. Dialogue is a vocal or instrumental sound (or both) combined in such a
way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.
_____5. In film language, literal sound is also called diegetic sound.
_____6. The WMA is a great file for Windows users.
_____7. Sound is vital in film and television production.
_____8. Sound may be recorded through analog or digital forms.
_____9. Sound is not a powerful tool of expression, both alone and in combination
with images.
_____10. Sound is important when you relay any content or message because in
real life you receive both sound and image at the same time, and thus, having a
more complete understanding of the message.

MIL AUDIO INFORMATION AND MEDIA

What’s In

Sound, as you may have learned in your science class, is an energy form that
is propagated by vibrating objects. The energy travels through a medium such an
air. Sound is in the same league as other forms of energy such as heat and light.

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor
destroyed, and it can only be converted. Sound energy is converted from vibrating
object’s kinetic energy.

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Imagine throwing a pebble into a pond and you see a ripple spreading over the
water. This is the most classic illustration of the energy conversion. (Liquigan,
2016).
According to B. Liquigan (2016), when you study the nature of sound or
audio in terms of generation, transmission, and reception, you are engaged in what
is called acoustics.
In this module, your concern is not on the technical aspect of audio, but rather
in its informative capacity. But before you do understand how audio is used for
information relay, you have to be familiar with the basic principles about sound
and waves.

What’s New

Activity 1: Assess yourself. Write your answer in a worksheet or notebook.

1. If you were to think of the three sounds that you like listening to the most, what
would these be?
2. What are your reasons for listening to certain kinds of sounds?
3. Have you ever thought about the absence of sound in your life?

This are but a few of the questions that may get you thinking about the value
of sound in your existence.

What is It

AUDIO INFORMATION AND MEDIA

What is an Audio?
Audio – is a sound within the range of human hearing. This relating to or employed
in the transmission, reception or reproduction of sound.

Reception – is the action or process of receiving something sent, given, or inflicted.

Transmission – is the action or process of transmitting something or the stat of

being transmitted.

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Characteristics of Sound
The Four Fundamental Attributes of
Sound

1. Amplitude – Refers to how sound particles

are displaced or scattered that produce a certain
level or intensity of loudness. The unit of
measurement for amplitude is decibels.

2. Frequency – It is measured by counting the

number of vibrations of sound particles in the
path of a wave in a span of a second. You
typically associate frequency with pitch which is
measured in Hertz (Hz).
Source: https://d27jswm5an3efw.cloudfront.net/
app/uploads/2019/11/audio-file-types-33.jpg

3. Wave Form – The actual shape of the sound waves. This is commonly
associated to the timbre or quality of sound. Sound form is the characteristics
that distinguishes one sound coming from a source with that of another sound
form another source.

4. Speed of Propagation – It pertains to how quickly sound travels. This

characteristic is dependent on the medium on which the sound is propagated, as
well as on the medium’s temperature.

Sound is having both technical and aesthetic roles in media production. It

has depth and perspective, which is why it can be a mode of information
exchange. The sound, according to Roberts-Breslin (2008)
1. Is a powerful tool of expression, both alone and in combination with
images;
2. Encourages you to imagine the experience of visuals in your minds,
creating a unique experience for each listener; and
3. Allows you to hear what people are talking about, and hearing their
voices, which, as opposed to reading their words, can give you
information about the speaker’s attitude, mood, geographical origin, and
age.”

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 You cannot put the world on mute. Sound is everywhere. What you can do it
to make the most productive use of the sound to benefit yourself and other people
(Liquigan, 2016).

Recording Format
Sound may be recorded through analog (as in the case of audio tapes) or
digital (in the form of digital audio audiotape or disc-based format such as compact
discs, recordable CDs, rewritable CDs, digital versatile discs, and mini discs),
When you want to record straight to the computer, you may use digital audio
recorders (Roberts-Breslin, 2008)

Sound is vital in film and television production. You see sound manifesting
as dialogue, music, and sound effects; thus, it is not merely an additional element
to the video component but is rather considered the fifth (5th) dimension of media
aesthetics. As Zettl (1999) puts it, “sound is an indispensable element in television
and film communication.”

Types and Categories of Audio Information

1. Different forms of audio we produce and record
Radio broadcast - live or Sound recording - recording of an
recorded audio sent through radio interview, meeting, or any sound from the
waves to reach a wide audience. environment.
Sound clips/effects - any sound, Music - vocal and/or instrumental sounds
other than music or speech, combined in such a way as to produce
artificially reproduced to create an beauty of form, harmony, and expression of
effect in a dramatic presentation, emotion. It is composed and performed for
as the sound of a storm or a many purposes, ranging from aesthetic
creaking door. pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes,
or as an entertainment product.
2. Different ways of storing audio media
Tape - magnetic tape on which CD - a plastic-fabricated, circular medium
sound can be recorded. for recording, storing, and
playing back audio, video, and computer
data.
USB drive - an external flash Memory Card - is a small storage
drive, small enough to carry on a medium used to store data such as text,
key ring, that can be used with pictures, audio, and video, for use on
any computer that has a USB small, portable, or remote computing
port. devices.

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 Computer hard drive - secondary storage devices found in personal
computers and can store audio files.
3. Common audio file format
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer) - a M4A/AAC (MPEG-4 Audio/Advanced
common format for consumer Audio Coding) - an audio coding standard
audio, as well as a standard of for lossy digital audio compression.
digital audio compression for the Designed to be the successor of the MP3
transfer and playback of music on format, AAC generally achieves better
most digital audio players. sound quality than MP3 at similar bit rates.
WAV - is a Microsoft audio file WMA (Windows Media Audio) - is an
format standard for storing an audio data compression technology
audio bitstream on PCs. It has developed by Microsoft and used with
become a standard file format for Windows Media Player.
game sounds, among others.

Elements of Sound Design. The objects or things that we have to work with:
▪ Dialogue - speech, conversation, voice-over.
▪ Waterfall - As first element fades out, the second element begins at full
volume. Better for voice transitions, than for
▪ Sound Effects - any sound other than music or dialogue.
▪ Music - vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to
produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

Silence - absence of audio or sound Principles of Sound Design. The techniques

for combining the different elements or objects.
▪ Mixing - the combination, balance and control of multiple sound elements.
▪ Pace - Time control. Editing. Order of events: linear, non-linear, or
multilinear.
▪ Transitions - How you get from one segment or element to another.
▪ Stereo Imaging - Using left and right channel for depth

Dimensions of Sound
According to Zettl (1999) sound has the following dimension:

1. Film sound. Sound has to match the aesthetic impact of an image; thus, most
films these days are aiming at using surround-sound technology.
2. Literal sound. Sound may be referential, which means it conveys a specific
literal meaning and describes the source of the sound. In film language, literal
sound is also called diegetic sound.

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For instance, when you hear a sound of a baby crying, you will know that the sound
is really coming from a baby who is crying. You will still know this even if the
sound is mute because you associate the image of a baby crying with the sound that
is produced when you see such scene.

3. Nonliteral sound. Sound may also be nonreferential and may only evoke a
visual image of the source of the sound. Nonliteral sound is also called nondiegetic
sound. Its purpose is more symbolic and it accompanies a particular image to
intensify the intent of that image. An example would be the “borings, hisses, and
whams in a cartoon that accompany the incredible feats of the cartoon character,
the romantic music during a tender love scene on the beach, or the rhythmic theme
that introduces the evening news.”

7 Popular Audio File Types to Consider (Casey Schmidt, 2020)

Each audio file type has unique benefits and drawbacks. Determine
which one is best for specific tasks or situations to save time and reduce stressful
errors. Here are seven popular audio file types and some unique differences
between them.

File Type Description

M4A The M4A is an mpeg-4 audio file. It is an audio-compressed file used
in the modern setting due to increased quality demand as a result of
cloud storage and bigger hard drive space in contemporary
computers. Its high quality keeps it relevant, as users who need to
hear distinct sounds on audio files will need this over more common
file types.

FLAC It is an audio file compressed into a smaller size of the original file.
(Free It’s a sophisticated file type that is lesser-used among audio formats.
Lossless This is because, even though it has its advantages, it often needs
Audio special downloads to function. When you consider that audio files
Codec) are shared often, this can make for quite an inconvenience to each
new user who receives one. What makes the FLAC so important is
the lossless compression can save size and promote sharing of an
audio file while being able to return to the original quality standard.
The near-exact amount of storage space required of the original
audio file is sixty percent – this saves a lot of hard drive space and
time spent uploading or downloading.

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 MP3 The MP3 audio file is an MPEG audio layer 3 file format. The key
(Media feature of MP3 files is the compression that saves valuable space
Player 3) while maintaining near-flawless quality of the original source of
sound. This compression makes the MP3 very popular for all mobile
audio-playing devices, particularly the Apple iPod.
The MP3 stays relevant among newer audio file types due to its high
quality and small size.

MP3 continues to be relevant in today’s digital landscape because it’s

compatible with nearly every device capable of reading audio files.
The MP3 is probably best used for extensive audio file sharing due to
its manageable size. It also works well for websites that host audio
files. Finally, the MP3 remains popular because of its overall sound
quality. Though not the highest quality, it has enough other benefits to
compensate.

MP4 An MP4 audio file is often mistaken as an improved version of the

(Media MP3 file. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The two are
Player 4) completely different and the similarities come from their namesake
rather than their functionality. Also note that the MP4 is sometimes
referred to as a video file instead of an audio file. This isn’t an error,
as in fact it’s both an audio and video file.
An MP4 audio file type is a comprehensive media extension, capable
of holding audio, video and other media. The MP4 contains data in
the file, rather than code. This is important to note as MP4 files
require different codecs to implement the code artificially and allow it
to be read.

WAV A WAV audio file is a Waveform Audio File that stores waveform
(Waveform data. The waveform data stored presents an image that demonstrates
Audio File) strength of volume and sound in specific parts of the WAV file. It is
entirely possible to transform a WAV file using compression, though
it’s not standard. Also, the WAV is typically used on Windows
systems. The easiest way to envision this concept is by thinking of
ocean waves. The water is loudest, fullest and strongest when the wave
is high. The same holds true for the waveform in the WAV. The visuals
are high and large when the sound increases in the file. WAV files are
usually uncompressed audio files, though it’s not a requirement of the
format. The WAV offers an uncompressed format.

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 WMA - It is a Windows-based alternative to the more common and
(Windows popular MP3 file type. What makes so beneficial is its lossless
Media Audio) compression, retaining high audio quality throughout all types of
restructuring processes. Even though it’s such a quality audio format,
it’s not the most popular due to the fact it’s inaccessible to many users,
especially those who don’t use the Windows operating system.
- The WMA is a great file for Windows users.
- If you’re a Windows user, simply double-click any WMA file to
open it. The file will open with Windows Media
Player (unless you’ve changed the default program). If
you’re not using Windows, there are some alternatives
to help you out. The first option is to download a third-
party system that plays the WMA. If this isn’t something
you want to do, consider converting the WMA to a
different audio format. There are plenty of conversion
tools available.

AAC - It is an audio file that delivers decently high-quality

(Advanced sound and is enhanced using advanced coding. It has
Audio Coding) never been one of the most popular audio formats,
especially when it comes to music files, but the AAC
does still serve some purpose for major systems. This
includes popular mobile devices and video gaming
units, where the AAC is a standard audio component.

What’s More

Activity 2: Try to Imagine

While at home, you were having a conversation with your guardian/parent about
your grades, try to communicate with her/him without talking.
Wonder at this: After you imagine trying to communicate without talking, think
about this:
1. Describe how you imagined yourself trying to communicate without talking?
2. Do you think your guardian or parent will understand you without talking?
3. Can you find other ways to communicate using sound without talking?
Activity 3: Q and A (Optional)
1. What are the technical aspects that characterize audio information?
2. How is sound or audio useful in information exchange?
3. What is the importance of sound in media forms such as film and television?

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